News

UFood Grill opens 10 airport locations with Hudson Group

May 24, 2010

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has announced the signing of a master license agreement with premier travel retailer Hudson Group Retail LLC for the expansion of its UFood Grill concept to 10 additional U.S. airports.

UFood Grill currently operates fast casual restaurants in Boston's Logan International Airport and the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, two of the busiest airports in the world. The company recently entered into a franchise agreement for a location at Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport.

UFood Grill offers healthy lifestyle alternatives to consumers, which could make it a leading player in the "better-for-you" quick-serve restaurant category. Its menu is centered on healthy versions of fast food, including its trademark baked "unfries." All UFood menu items are baked, grilled or steamed; nothing is fried. In addition, nutritional information for each food item is accessible and accurate. The company is led by Boston Market founder George Naddaff.

Hudson Group expects this agreement to strengthen its position in the burgeoning "healthy eating" segment.

"Our market surveys have shown that travelers are concerned about maintaining their diet regimens, even in the hurried airport environment," said Joe DiDomizio, president and CEO of Hudson Group. "UFoods' niche – providing healthful and flavorful dining alternatives throughout the day – is a great example of Hudson's ongoing service mission: being the traveler's best friend."

Hudson Group operates more than 580 newsstands, bookstores, cafes and premier specialty retail shops in 70 airports and transportation terminals in the United States and Canada.